It's interesting that humans do require sunglasses when spending time outside. The guys on "Ancient Aliens" say that's because we really aren't from this planet. I don't buy into THAT theory.... but I do avoid an excess of direct sun. Just in case I live a long time... I'd like to keep my sight.

I wear the kit.... as part of the recreational cycling fun. Sunglasses and clipped in shoes included. However... the legs remain hairy and I keep a bike with toe clips too.

Ha! I have those exact same ones that I use when target practice. I considered using them for biking as well, except they occasionally fog up in high humidity, even when just sitting at a bench. Considering how much I sweat, they'd probably be unusable on the bike for me.

I've been wearing my daily prescription glasses. How have I survived ?

Not everyone experiences sun related issues or damages. But skin and eye [sun] damage can be accumulative over many years or even decades. When I spend time in the sun I wear sunglasses (or clip-ons) and I wear sunscreen (at least on my nose).

To the OP: no

Even at night?

Even more dangerous to cyclists they can make some walk signals almost impossible to see.

Rule of thumb is the lighter the color of your eyes the more susceptible to sun damage you are likely to be. Blue and gray eyes are more likely to suffer damage than brown or black..

If you have to ask..... sure. Can't be too safe!

To my knowledge, I have never had any problem whatsoever seeing any walk or don't walk signals (driving, walking or cycling) while wearing polarized sunglasses.

To me, this is the most important aspect of good cycling specific sunglasses.

Cycling specific sunglasses are a fashion accessory. I've cycled many thousands of miles wearing regular cheap sports sunglasses or dark safety glasses.

My take...glasses do several things...cycling classes often do some of them better

1. Already mentioned, but some allow you to look forward with your head pointed down.

2. UV, glare protection...all sunglasses do this.

3. Bug and debris protection...especially important the faster you go, or in the woods, or at night, or on dirt/ recently chipsealed, or dirty roads.

4. Aerodynamics...not really a big deal unless you are a racer worried about differences with f seconds, but I'm sure the pros choose glasses that are more aero.

5. Versatility...some cycling glasses come with interchangeable lenses for bright sun, dawn, dusk, and night riding. I just got some of these, and love them

FWIW- I still carry a pair of flip-up sunglasses glasses I used to wear on commutes. I got into film photography 15 years ago and old manual film cameras and became obsessed with estimating light conditions and exposures in my head, so I stopped wearing sunglasses. My step-daughter bought a fancy light meter for her photography class and I was able to match its readings. A lot of simpler, older cameras also have lenses that focus, but no way to focus them (not through the lens nor with a built-in range finder) so you learn to estimate distance in your head, or using your two eyes and fingers as a range-finder. Sorry, geeked out there for a second.

This is true! I have blue eyes and living in Phoenix means I'm never without a pair of sunglasses, even on a rare cloudy day. I also am very sensitive to street lights, headlights, and brake lights at night.

I think the OP question as a two part question. First is about eye protection while outdoors. Second is while riding outdoors. Seems simple enough.

There is a lot written about damage to the eyes and its cumulative effect with aging. The ophthalmologist and optometrist are generally in agreement with most of the current literature (research papers).

Best place to go for advice is to the professionals. Its primarily a health question.

Pat, you're in Staten Island. NYU has a school of optometry. Give them a call.

Not all sunlight comes from the front. Glasses that have protection from the sides are also important if you ride where there is a lot of reflected sunlight such as water or light colored sand.

+ 1.

-- my sight has been mostly gone since I was about 10. I've been just on the good side of legally blind most of my life.

-- I'm part alien ... at least that's what my father who is all, or mostly, alien claims. (yes ... joking ... we think ...)

-- in thinking about it, I have spent several years using glasses with transition lenses, so they've got some sun protection. I am awaiting another pair right now which should be ready sometime this week. And I wear a helmet. For a lot of years, it was a helmet with a visor which shaded my eyes. I don't think my current helmet has a visor, but how often do I get to ride in sunshine ... maybe once a week?

Last weekend I went on a nice casual ride. Very... Grant Petersen style. Although I did wear a helmet... but I used no other cycling specific clothing. I even rode with platform pedals.

I have no idea what percent of cycling clothing is style and fashion... and which part is useful cycling equipment. I think for the most part most people could bicycle very happily with no more equipment... than the bicycle itself.

sunglasses is a must for my rides. A scratch in the eye from dirt or something else can make a miserable rest of the ride

Cataracts are a good reason to wear sunglasses, or indeed prescription glasses, which have as a matter of course, UV protection by law in most developed countries. Especially near the poles where the Ozone Holes can cause increased UV levels.

Years ago I used to favour a particular style of Bolle safety glasses, they were, for the time, the outrageous sum of $15, I could buy a set of replacement lenses for $10. I saw exactly the same design frames in a sunglass shop for $300 being sold as designer sunglasses. I figured eventually the two divisions of Bolle must have realised the conflict. They resolved it by not selling the safety glasses any more.

Last lot of "cycling" glasses I got came from the safety shop- $6 a pair.

Incidentally I love my SPD sandals. Very Fred-ly especially when worn with luridly coloured socks, baggy shorts, a normal looking shirt and a helmet mirror. Nothing drives a weekend lycra warrior crazier than being passed by a Fred.

I agree.... at least for me. Whether cycling, jogging, hiking, playing ball, or just hanging out.... the "normal" appropriate gear avoids lots of inconvenience. As well as provide needed safety and protection. I forget that first aid centers and emergency rooms regularly treat people who are over-exposed for the conditions they are in. And conditions believed to be caused form long-term exposure to things like the sun.... is another matter altogether.

But does cycling provide specific dangers/hazards that require specific clothing.... or as this thread asks: "glasses labeled as cycling sunglasses".

I don't think so.... even though mine are... and I prefer wearing/using regular cycling gear most of the time (when cycling). But I can't see how a pair of Wayfarer sunglasses would be inadequate for sun... or a pair of motorcycle goggles too much for cold wind.

I have a pair of Bolle glasses I use for cycling. They aren't cycling specific, but they are sporty, don't slide around and are comfortable. Were they cheap? No...but I have found I take much better care of "designer" sunglasses than I ever did cheap ones. I have 3 pairs of designer sunglasses (Bolle, Ray Ban and Maui Jim), all are polarized and well made; I haven't had to buy a pair in 5+ years.

I have a few pair that wrap well around the side of the face, and block the bugs and wind very well.The ones I have come with clear interchangeable lenses for after dark. I ride at dusk and the dark every week. That's often when there are lots of bugs out. The clear lenses are very helpful to me. They are probably 15 years old and from Performance bike. If you don't ride in the dark often and they block the wind well, anything will do the job.

Mine were about $30, about 15 years ago.